Engineering the ‘Pandemic Pool’: Building a Seawater Infinity Pool During Lockdown
A seawater infinity pool isn’t just beautiful—it’s a feat of engineering. During the unprecedented quiet of 2020, our team transformed a forgotten space into a fresh seawater infinity pool just steps from the beach, with serene views stretching toward Mustique. Affectionately nicknamed the “Pandemic Pool,” this project came to life in 6+ months and has since become one of the Caribbean’s most iconic places to float and unwind.
In this behind-the-scenes story, you’ll learn how a rediscovered pool sparked a bold idea, how a family-led team brought it to life during lockdown, and what it truly takes to engineer a seawater infinity pool on a remote island.
From Hidden Tank to Showpiece
Long before the pool shimmered beside the sand, the prime spot between the beachside restaurant and the Beachfront Suites had been hiding a secret. Back in 2004, when Bengt Mortstedt acquired the former Bequia Beach Club, what looked like a simple concrete slab was used as a large water tank. Years later, curiosity led to a flashlight inspection through a manhole—and a surprise discovery:
- Steps were built into a corner.
- The interior was bright blue.
- A long-term staff member remembered learning to swim there.
What had been taken for a tank was once a pool in the early Bequia Beach Club years—later concreted over and repurposed. That revelation planted the seed: could this underutilised, prime spot be reborn as a gorgeous pool worthy of its setting?
A Family-Led Build in Extraordinary Times
In April 2020, the island’s rhythm changed overnight. After one of the hotel’s strongest winter seasons, the pandemic brought travel to a halt. With international and inter-island travel suspended, the team found themselves anchored on Bequia. That pause created a rare window to take on a complex project that had long been imagined.
- Bengt measured on-site in Bequia.
- Daughter-in-law Elinor, in London, sketched concepts from afar.
- Son Philip researched the specific challenges of a seawater infinity pool.
From demolition to finishing, the build spanned over six months. The result: a serene seawater infinity pool that sits steps from the beach, where your gaze is gently drawn to the beautiful outline of Mustique in the distance.
What Makes a Seawater Infinity Pool Different?
A seawater infinity pool blends the magic of a vanishing horizon with the dynamism of the ocean. While every project is unique, the core engineering considerations for any seawater infinity pool typically include:
1) Intake and Circulation
- Seawater is naturally abundant on an island, but intake design must balance flow with protection from sand, debris, and marine life.
- Engineers typically use screened intakes and carefully sized pumps to maintain stable turnover and a glassy weir edge.
2) Materials and Corrosion Resistance
- Seawater’s chlorides accelerate corrosion. Robust material choices—such as marine-grade metals, specialized coatings, and non-metallic components—are common to extend lifespan.
- Sealants, fixings, and edge details must be specified for a salt environment to preserve structural integrity and finish quality.
3) Water Quality and Comfort
- Seawater pools rely on careful filtration to manage fine particles and maintain sparkling clarity.
- Hygienic balance is maintained with systems suited to saline environments while preserving the fresh, gently buoyant feel that guests love.
4) Hydraulic Balance and the Infinity Edge
- The vanishing line demands precision. Weir height, gutter design, and surge capacity are engineered to prevent overflow in gusty conditions and to keep the edge mirror-flat in calm seas.
5) Environmental Stewardship
- On small islands where water is precious, seawater pools can help conserve freshwater resources and reduce reliance on power-hungry desalination.
- Responsible discharge and maintenance practices protect nearby beaches and marine life.
These principles guided the research and concept development that shaped the pool you see today.
Designed for Its Place: Friendship Beach and Mustique Views
Setting matters. The seawater infinity pool sits just steps from the pristine white sands of Friendship Beach, perfectly positioned so that bathers float in fresh seawater while gazing toward Mustique. The spot—once underused—now enhances the natural panorama and complements the hotel’s beachside lifestyle.
- The pool occupies the prime zone between the beachside restaurant and the Beachfront Suites, elevating the heart of the resort.
- Its placement brings the sound of lapping waves and open-sky sunsets to the water’s edge experience.
Prefer freshwater? The hotel also offers a Main Pool and a quieter hillside pool near Blue Tropic, giving guests the choice of salt or freshwater dips throughout the day.
How the Build Came Together During Lockdown
Coordinating a project across islands and continents in 2020 required adaptability and trust. The approach blended on-island craftsmanship with remote design collaboration:
- Rediscovery and Feasibility
- Confirming the original structure’s footprint and viability inspired the conversion concept.
- Concept and Sketch
- Elinor developed design concepts from London while Bengt refined measurements on-site.
- Technical Research
- Philip focused on the unique demands of a seawater infinity pool, informing specifications and maintenance planning.
- Demolition and Rebuild
- The old structure was carefully opened up, reimagined, and rebuilt to modern standards.
- Finishing and Commissioning
- Edge tolerances, water levels, and filtration were tuned for the pool’s signature mirror-like horizon.
The quiet months allowed the team to complete heavy works without disrupting guests—turning an unexpected pause into lasting enhancement.
Aligned with an Island Mindset: Sustainability in Practice
On Bequia, water is precious. The hotel’s broader sustainability commitments provided a thoughtful backdrop to the project:
- Rainwater collection and advanced water management underpin operations, with tanks under buildings storing up to 2+ million litres of rainwater.
- Bathrooms use low-flush technology, and well water supports gardening and outdoor showers.
- The hotel avoids discharging wastewater into the sea and emphasises waste reduction and composting.
- Solar panels help heat hot water, and energy-efficient systems are prioritised.
Choosing a seawater infinity pool complements these practices by embracing the island’s natural setting while reducing dependence on freshwater for leisure swimming. Learn more about the hotel’s environmental approach on the Sustainability page (/sustainability).
Practical Takeaways for Coastal Pool Projects
If you’re planning a seawater infinity pool in a coastal setting, these principles can help guide success:
- Start with what you have: A thorough survey of existing structures can uncover opportunities and reduce waste.
- Design to the view: Align the infinity edge with natural sightlines—guests will always remember the horizon.
- Specify for salt: Select materials, sealants, and fixtures with proven marine performance.
- Protect the intake: Use screened, serviceable intakes and plan for seasonal changes in swell and sediment.
- Balance the hydraulics: Model surge, weir flow, and gutter capacity to keep the edge calm and consistent.
- Plan for maintenance: Make critical components accessible and choose systems compatible with saline water.
- Think holistically: Integrate water stewardship and energy efficiency into both design and daily operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a seawater infinity pool?
A seawater infinity pool is a pool filled with fresh seawater featuring a vanishing edge designed so the waterline appears to merge with the horizon.
How long did it take to build the “Pandemic Pool”?
From demolition to finishing, the build took over six months.
Who led the project?
It was a family-led effort: Bengt measured on-site in Bequia, Elinor sketched concepts from London, and Philip researched the challenges specific to seawater infinity pools.
Where is the pool located?
The pool is steps from the beach at Friendship Bay, positioned between the beachside restaurant and the Beachfront Suites, with views toward Mustique.
Why choose seawater instead of freshwater?
On islands where water is scarce, seawater pools can help conserve freshwater and deliver a uniquely buoyant, ocean-adjacent experience. They also align with environmentally mindful operations.
What other pools are available at the hotel?
In addition to the seawater infinity pool, there is a freshwater Main Pool and a quieter pool near Blue Tropic.
Conclusion: From Quiet Months to an Island Icon
Born of a rediscovery, refined through family collaboration, and completed in the stillness of lockdown, the “Pandemic Pool” is now a signature experience—fresh seawater, a horizon-hugging edge, and a view that drifts across to Mustique.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Explore our Amenities, read The Owner’s Story for more behind-the-scenes moments, and see how our Sustainability commitments shape every decision. Then plan your escape and come float in one of the Caribbean’s most iconic pools.
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Bold highlights at a glance:
- Seawater infinity pool just steps from the beach with views toward Mustique
- Built in 6+ months during the 2020 lockdown
- Rediscovered from an original pool beneath a former water tank
- Family-led design and research effort
- Complements the hotel’s sustainability ethos and water stewardship
Call to action: Book your stay to experience the Pandemic Pool, or contact our team to learn more about amenities, dining, and activities on Bequia.